Relationships First NL

10/13/2026

How incredible a loss this is for us all. Emma has done so much for us to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to put "relationships first." NL has come to understand the gift of what it means to be Indigenous in this place through her. The heartfelt, gentle talks she gave and the carefully worded prayers she offered at so many gatherings, praying for peace and hope amongst us all in our families, our communities, and our nations. We pray that the Creator continues to move in us all to realize the wonder of this world so we might stop hurting each other. Emma was a model of what Reconciliation means and requires. Her grace has been a gift to us all. Thanksgiving. We thank the Creator for you. And we thank you for all you have given to us!

Our community is grieving the passing of Elder Emma Reelis. She meant so much to so many, and her loss is felt deeply across our First Light family. The relationships she built, the moments people shared with her, and the place she holds in our hearts will remain with us.

We hold her family and loved ones close, and we hold each of you who is hurting alongside them.

First Light programs will be closed on Tuesday, October 13, to allow time for grief, reflection, and remembrance.

At a later time, we will make space for our community to gather, share memories of Emma, and support one another. We will await word from her family about service arrangements so we can respect their wishes and support them and our community during this difficult time. Further details will follow.

For now, please be gentle with yourselves and one another. We carry our love for Emma together. 🩷

10/09/2026

Language Matters! It makes all the difference.

10/01/2026

Are you considering how you can continue to acknowledge and engage in Truth and Reconciliation? Come to a special Two-Eared Listening event at The Rooms on Wed. October 7 @ 2:00PM.

“Two-eared listening” is a term

09/30/2026

As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation as a nation today, consider how acknowledging truth includes knowing our own stories. Willie Ermine's challenge to non-Indigenous peoples is poignant and needed.

We respectfully acknowledge the original lands of the Indigenous Peoples of Treaty 4: Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota, Dakota, Lakota and Treaty 6: Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, and Dakota. Additionally, we acknowledge the homeland to the many winged, four-legged, crawling, and water creatures.

09/23/2026

We received our copy of the newly released "Peaceful Pedagogies" book by Crystena Parker-Shandal! It is an incredible resource to add to the growing resources available for the implementation of rje. This one is special in so many ways: set in a Canadian context, it highlights the realities of addressing complex relationships in schools/classrooms and provides support for educators for every moment of every day. Thank you, Crystena! For people in NL, you can get your copy at the MUN bookstore, or order from your favourite book retailer. Crystena Parker-Shandal Kathy Evans Jessica Webb Brenda Morrison Alana Abramson MUN Faculty of Education

09/21/2026

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reminded that reconciliation asks us to listen deeply, openly, and with a willingness to learn.

RFNL’s Two-Eared Listening Classroom Resource is inspired by the teaching of Chief Mi’sel Joe, Traditional Saqamaw of Miawpukek First Nation. Two-Eared Listening invites us to listen with an open mind and an open heart, making space for stories, experiences, and understandings that may be different from our own.

The resource includes learning activities for early learning through Grade 12, along with posters, reflection tools, and additional resources to support meaningful conversations in classrooms and other learning spaces.

As educators and communities prepare to recognize September 30, we invite you to explore and share this free resource and to consider how the practice of listening can continue well beyond one day.

🧡 Our Two-Eared Listening Classroom Resource can be found at rfnl.org/resources or by using this direct link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rjEph70v2Jjz_gOEkxp-bKmIM4YGIILP/view

09/09/2026

A new school year brings new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

As students, educators, and school communities begin the year ahead, we’re thinking about the relationships that help create spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and able to learn together.

RFNL is here to support and encourage you throughout the year. Visit rfnl.org to explore resources, professional learning possibilities, and ways to connect with us.

09/08/2026

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” — Maya Angelou

You’ve welcomed your colleagues, prepared your classroom, and put so much thought into the year ahead. Now, perhaps one of the best things you can do is get a good night’s sleep.

For one last little bit of encouragement before students arrive, we’re sharing one of our favourite RJE videos. It offers a reminder to notice the choices we make in our relationships and to keep moving, whenever we can, from fear to love.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UvDMQyBVLs&t=1s

Wishing you a restful evening and a wonderful start to the year.

Michelle Stowe is a restorative practitioner, trainer and consultan...

09/07/2026

Your school and classroom spaces are set up and ready for students to arrive very soon.

Before the school year gets underway, take a quick look around your gathering and learning spaces. What messages do they send about belonging, participation, connection, and whose voices are welcomed?

A few small changes to furniture placement, seating, displays, meeting spaces, or even the way people move through a room can help create more relational spaces.

As you look around, ask yourself: What could we tweak to make this space more relational?

09/04/2026

Circles don’t always run smoothly.

Small facilitation choices can shape how circle feels and what messages participants receive.

Consider these circle nuances as you reflect on your own practice and continue refining your facilitation skills. From how the talking piece is handled, to wait time, participation, seating, and the role of adults in the circle, these details can make a meaningful difference.

Take a look through the examples and notice what stands out for you.